€13,500
offers 0
1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 Karmann Cabriolet
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Highlights
- Soft top folding roof in very good condition
- Very original throughout, including inside the engine compartment
- Clean underneath and seemingly very solid
The Appeal
It’s quite incredible how in spite of being so unconventional, the Volkswagen Beetle became amongst the most significant cars of the twentieth century. Arguably the ultimate version was the Karmann Cabriolet, which made the humble people’s car into something that embodied good times rather than austerity.
Here we have a charming and seemingly very original 1303, dating from 1974. Destined for the Italian market, it features Volkswagen’s twin-port 1300cc engine which we understand to be in good running order. If you’re after something fun for next summer or else are adding to a growing air-cooled collection, this would be a great car to consider.
The History and Paperwork
- Italian registration documents present
- Original Italian service booklet with stamps up until 85,500 km in 1983
- The five figure odometer currently reads 73,873, suggesting it has in fact covered 173,873
- Original book pack present
- We're informed the car has recently been serviced and polished
The Interior
- Looks to be mostly original and unrestored
- The only later addition we noticed was the sports steering wheel
- Equipped with the desirable VDO analogue clock
- As a 1303, the curved windscreen is set further away from the front seat occupants, allowing for a more premium vinyl dashboard
- We couldn’t see any splits in the dash top
- Evidently a slot has previously been cut for what looks to be a DIN size stereo although none is currently fitted
- The speedometer looks to be in good order
- All the switchgear and vent controls look to be in good order
- Light vinyl upholstery bears a few signs of use and some slight discolouration in places
- The rubber floor mats have deteriorated somewhat
- Currently, there is no liner inside the front luggage compartment, but there is a spare wheel
- The soft top’s headlining looks to be in nice condition
The Exterior
- The exterior colour appears to be Volkswagen Peru Green
- Besides some light abrasions around the edges and evidence of a few small touch ins, the paintwork presents really well and holds a nice shine
- The roof canvas looks to be in really good order and is not heavily noticeably stained
- All windows fold down to make a pillarless coupé when the roof is raised
- One of the last to feature its front indicators on the wing tops
- The rear ‘elephant’s foot’ lights look to be in nice condition
- The Europa bumpers display a few small imperfections but continue to shine
- The bodywork appears straight overall with what looks like a repair or some previous damage to the offside front wing
- Very smart underneath, with solid looking floor pans and heater channels
- Fitted with rear stone chip guards
- Heated rear window
- Chromed steel wheels with no hubcaps
The Mechanics
- 1300cc, twin-port air-cooled engine mounted aft
- The vendor states that the engine has been overhauled and is now being run in
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- We're informed the clutch, brakes, starter motor and battery are new
- Looks to be quite original inside the engine compartment and it still retains its correct air filter
- Fitted with an alternator (being a later 1303)
- No obvious signs of oil leaks
- Equipped with drum brakes all round
- The vendor informs us that the vehicle is in good working order
Summary
This is a very honest example of the coveted Karmann Cabriolet. We enjoy its originality and with a little tidying up in places, it would look incredibly smart.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1975
- Make Volkswagen
- Model Beetle 1303 Karmann Cabriolet
- Colour Green
- Odometer 173,873 Kilometres
- Engine size 1300
Listing Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Milan
- Location International
- Country Italy
The Gallery
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